What are the rear setback rules for houses in Birmingham, MI?

The rear setback in Birmingham's R1A, R1, R2, and R3 districts is 30 feet (§§ 2.04, 2.06, 2.08, 2.10). On top of that, the combined front and rear setbacks must total at least 55 feet.

The combined rule matters because the front setback is not fixed. It is the average of the front setbacks of homes on the same side of the street within 200 feet, or 25 feet if there is nothing to average. If your block averages a 20-foot front setback, the rear requirement grows to 35 feet to reach the 55-foot total. If the average front setback is 30 feet, the 30-foot rear minimum still controls because 55 is already met.

Accessory structures such as garages and sheds follow their own rear-yard placement rules under § 4.03 and do not use the 30-foot house setback. For your lot's exact figures, contact the Planning Division at 248-530-1850.